If you’re planning a trip to Colombo in the fall, get ready for warm tropical weather with plenty of sunshine and bursts of rain. Daytime highs hover near 87°F, and nights cool down to around 75°F. Humidity? It stays high all season.
The climate barely budges, so you won’t deal with wild temperature swings, but you will notice rainfall and cloud cover changing as the weeks go by.
Fall brings a shift in Colombo’s weather patterns. Rain picks up quickly through the season. Skies start out mostly cloudy in September, but by late November, they open up a bit.
Daylight shortens by about half an hour, and winds ease off, changing direction as fall moves along.
If you love warm seas, the Indian Ocean feels inviting, with water temperatures creeping up through the season. With the city’s tropical vibe, fall becomes a special time to explore Colombo, whether you’re after cultural sites, coastal views, or just want to get a feel for the local climate.
Overview of Colombo’s Fall Climate
Colombo stays warm and humid during fall, with steady temperatures and frequent rain. You’ll notice high humidity and cloudy skies much of the time.
Strong seasonal influence from the monsoon winds really shapes the daily weather.
Tropical Rainforest Climate Characteristics
Colombo has a tropical rainforest climate (Af classification), so you won’t find a true dry season here. Rain falls year-round, and humidity stays up.
Average daily temperatures stick close to 30°C (86°F), with barely any difference between day and night.
The air often feels heavy. Dew points stay high, making things muggy almost every day.
Unlike places with bigger seasonal swings, Colombo’s climate barely shifts, so you rarely get temperature extremes.
This steady pattern keeps vegetation lush all year. The Indian Ocean nearby helps moderate things, so you don’t really get big jumps or drops in temperature.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Fall
During fall, daily highs usually sit between 29–32°C (84–90°F). Nights cool off just a little, averaging 24–26°C (75–79°F).
That narrow spread really shows Colombo’s equatorial setting.
Rainfall climbs as fall rolls on. Early September brings about 78 mm of rain over 31 days, but by late November, totals can top 170 mm.
The chance of a wet day jumps from about 35% in early fall to over 50% by the end.
Cloud cover changes too. In September, skies are mostly cloudy about 84% of the time. By late November, that drops to around 74%, so you get a few more breaks of sunshine.
Influence of Monsoon Seasons
The Southwest Monsoon retreats in fall, and the Northeast Monsoon starts up. From September through early November, winds blow mostly from the west, bringing in ocean moisture.
By mid-November, the wind shifts north, signaling the start of the Northeast Monsoon.
This transition is why rainfall peaks in October and early November. The overlap of both monsoons means frequent showers and the occasional thunderstorm.
Wind speeds also change. They drop from around 21 km/h in September to about 15 km/h in late November. The air feels more still and humid as a result.
This seasonal wind shift affects not just rainfall but also sea conditions along Sri Lanka’s western coast.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Fall in Colombo brings steady warmth with barely any shifts from month to month. You get hot days, mild nights, and not much change from the rest of the year.
Daily Highs and Lows
Daily high temperatures usually stick around 30°C (86°F). They rarely fall below 29°C or go above 32°C, so you won’t get much relief from the heat.
Low temperatures drop a bit as the season goes on. Nights start near 26°C (79°F) in early September and cool to about 24°C (75°F) by late November.
Even at their coolest, evenings stay warm and humid.
This tight range really highlights how stable the city’s tropical climate is. You don’t need to pack for big swings between day and night.
The consistency makes packing easy—light clothes work all season.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Across September, October, and November, you’ll notice steady warmth and just a hint of cooling.
- September: Highs average about 30°C and lows hover near 26°C.
- October: Highs stay close to 30°C, while lows dip toward 25°C.
- November: Highs still average 30°C, but lows reach their coolest near 24°C.
These slow changes are tiny compared with the bigger shifts in rainfall and cloud cover.
Colombo’s climate keeps temperatures steady because of its coastal spot and the Indian Ocean’s constant influence.
The water temperature also creeps up, from 27°C in early fall to about 28°C by late November. This keeps the air humid and adds to the warmth, even at night.
Comparison With Other Seasons
If you compare fall to other times of year in Colombo, you’ll see how little the temperature actually changes.
In January, the coldest month, highs average about 31°C and lows around 23°C. In April, which is the hottest, highs reach about 32°C and lows near 25°C.
The difference from fall is just a few degrees.
So, fall temperatures are practically the same as the city’s yearly average. The real seasonal contrasts show up in rainfall and cloudiness, not the heat.
For travelers, fall feels just as warm as any other season, so you don’t need to adjust your expectations for temperature.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Colombo gets steady rain through the fall, shaped by both the southwest and northeast monsoons. You’ll run into frequent showers—often quick but heavy—that can influence your plans and outdoor activities.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall during fall ranks among the highest for the year. October is the wettest month, averaging around 350 mm of rain.
November usually gets close to 300 mm. By December, rain drops to about 175 mm, hinting at drier days ahead.
These numbers come from long-term climate records, so they’re a good guide for what to expect.
The decrease in December is noticeable, but showers still pop up often enough to affect daily routines.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| October | ~355 mm | 16 days |
| November | ~300 mm | 14 days |
| December | ~175 mm | 10 days |
If you’re visiting, prepare for wet conditions in October and November. December offers more breaks in the rain.
Frequency of Showers
Rain in Colombo doesn’t usually stick around all day. You’ll see short, intense showers that pass quickly but return often.
In October, it rains on about half the days of the month. November is just a bit drier, and December brings fewer rainy days but still regular bursts.
Showers hit hardest in the afternoon or evening. Mornings might start clear, but clouds build up fast.
This means you can still enjoy outdoor activities if you plan for earlier in the day.
Humidity stays high, making the air feel warmer than it really is. Even when the rain stops, things stay damp.
Impact of Monsoon Rains
The northeast monsoon starts influencing Colombo in late October and November. Moist winds from the Bay of Bengal bring heavy fall rains.
Earlier in the year, the southwest monsoon dominates, but as it retreats, the northeast flow arrives.
This overlap is why October gets so much rain. Both systems bring showers, pushing totals higher than most other months.
Sometimes, these downpours cause localized flooding in low-lying spots.
For travel, expect things like slower traffic and occasional delays. On the plus side, the rain keeps parks and coastal areas lush, so if you’re prepared, it’s actually a pretty refreshing atmosphere.
Humidity and Wind Conditions in Fall
In fall, Colombo hits you with consistently high humidity and shifting winds. The air feels muggy nearly every day, and wind speeds gradually drop as the season goes on.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Colombo stays sky-high through fall, with dew points that keep the air heavy and damp.
You’ll run into muggy conditions almost 100% of the time, day or night.
Sweat doesn’t evaporate easily, so the air often feels warmer than what the thermometer says.
Humidity barely changes between September and November, even as rainfall climbs. The air just stays sticky, no matter the daily weather.
Here’s a quick look:
- Muggy conditions: ~100% of days
- Least humid period: January (about 94%)
- Most humid period: April (100%)
If you’re visiting, plan for sticky conditions, light clothes, and lots of hydration. Most hotels and restaurants have air conditioning or at least ceiling fans, which helps a lot.
Typical Wind Speeds
Wind speeds in Colombo drop steadily during fall. Early September brings breezes around 13 mph, but by late November, they ease to about 9 mph.
On some days, it can dip just below 9 mph, making afternoons feel calmer.
The wind direction shifts too. From early September through early November, winds blow from the west. By mid-November, they start coming from the north, marking a seasonal change.
For travelers, lighter winds mean calmer seas along the coast, but the humid air can feel even heavier.
Outdoor activities feel best in the morning or evening, when breezes are a little stronger.
The gradual drop in wind speed, mixed with high humidity, really shapes how fall feels in Colombo.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Availability
Colombo’s fall brings steady daylight and moderate sunshine. You’ll notice differences between daily sunshine hours and the total length of daylight, which affects how much time you get outdoors.
Average Daily Sunshine
Colombo averages about 6 to 7.5 hours of direct sunshine per day in fall. September usually sees the lowest values, around 6.3 hours daily.
October and November bump up just a bit as rain patterns shift.
So, you’ll get a mix of sun and clouds. Afternoon showers are common, especially in October, but they rarely wipe out daylight entirely. Instead, they just shorten the stretches of uninterrupted sun.
Colombo’s annual average is about 7.2 hours per day. Fall is just a bit less sunny than that, making it one of the cloudier times of year.
Still, with more than six hours of sunshine most days, you’ll have plenty of light for sightseeing, hitting the beach, or other outdoor stuff.
Daylight Duration
Daylight in Colombo is pretty steady because it’s so close to the equator. You get roughly 12 hours of daylight each day through the fall.
Sunrise lands around 6:00 a.m., and sunset is near 6:00 p.m. The changes across the season are only a few minutes.
This regular pattern means you don’t have to adjust your schedule much. Unlike places farther from the equator, where daylight can swing a lot, Colombo offers a predictable rhythm.
Long daylight hours and moderate sunshine give you steady chances to plan outdoor activities. Even if the sun hides behind clouds, the length of the day stays reliable for travel and daily plans.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The coastal waters around Colombo stay warm through the fall months. You can swim and try other water activities without worrying about chilly water.
Rain falls pretty often, but the sea keeps its inviting warmth. Temperatures barely shift from September to November, which is honestly a relief if you hate surprises.
Average Fall Sea Temperatures
Colombo’s sea temperatures don’t really budge much in the fall. In September, you’ll find the water at about 82.6°F (28.1°C).
October brings a slight increase to 83.4°F (28.6°C). By November, it sits around 84.1°F (28.9°C).
So, you get this nice, narrow range—no sudden cold snaps that ruin your swim. The tropical climate and the Indian Ocean currents keep things steady.
If you compare it to other tropical places, Colombo’s fall sea temperatures feel pretty predictable.
You don’t have to worry about the water turning cold overnight. Both casual swimmers and folks who want to stay in the ocean longer will find it comfortable.
Beach and Ocean Activities
The warm sea opens up a bunch of options. Swimming, snorkeling, and just wading around all feel great, even later in the season.
Diving works out well too, since the water stays warm and visibility is usually good.
Rain showers hit often in September and October, so you might want to plan for some quick downpours.
Still, the sea doesn’t cool off when it rains.
If you’re looking for calmer days, November usually brings a bit less rain than September.
That makes it easier to plan beach days or boat trips without as many interruptions.
With the water this warm, you can pretty much count on it being comfortable whenever you go.
Best Time to Visit Colombo in the Fall
Colombo’s fall brings warm weather and high humidity. Rain picks up as the year heads toward the northeast monsoon.
You can still enjoy the city, but picking the right month and packing for changing weather helps a lot.
Ideal Months for Travel
The best time to visit Colombo in the fall is September and early October.
The southwest monsoon calms down by then, and the heavy November rains haven’t started yet.
Expect daily highs around 84–87°F (29–31°C) with slightly cooler nights.
Rain still shows up, but it’s lighter than in late October or November.
For example:
| Month | Avg High Temp | Rainfall Trend | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 87°F / 31°C | Moderate, increasing | Warm, humid |
| October | 86°F / 30°C | Higher, frequent showers | Cloudier |
| November | 85°F / 29°C | Heavy, peak rainfall | Wet, humid |
If you want to dodge the rainiest days, aim for a trip before mid-October.
November often brings more than 6 inches of rain in one month, so outdoor sightseeing gets tricky.
Travel Tips for Fall Visitors
Pack light, breathable clothing so you can handle the constant humidity. Don’t forget a compact umbrella or rain jacket—October and November bring frequent, sometimes heavy showers.
Try to plan indoor activities like museums, temples, or markets for those rainy days. You’ll probably enjoy outdoor spots such as Galle Face Green or Beira Lake more in September, since the skies tend to be clearer then.
You’ll notice muggy conditions year-round, so remember to stay hydrated. Take breaks during the hottest parts of the day.
If you’re after calmer weather, aim for September, when winds feel steadier and rainfall usually stays lower than in late fall.